Domains in ArcGIS Pro are predefined sets of acceptable values that can be assigned to a field within a geodatabase. They act as validation rules to ensure consistency and accuracy in data entry. This functionality is especially useful when multiple users are involved in data collection, as it helps to prevent typographical errors and standardizes data input.
A domain defines the permissible values for a field, which may include either a range of numeric values or a list of coded values. For example, a domain named POP_DESC could be assigned to a short integer field and include specific codes that represent predefined population descriptions. Any layer that uses this domain will restrict inputs to those predefined codes, maintaining uniformity across datasets.
Domains are particularly valuable for enforcing consistency in textual values. In GIS, variations in capitalization or spelling, such as “Hydrography”, “hydrography”, and “HYDROGRAPHY”, are considered different by the system. Without the use of a domain, these variations would be treated as distinct entries, leading to data fragmentation.
Object catalog for configuring “Geodatabase” domains.
Steps to Configure Domains in ArcGIS Pro
To configure domains, locate the target geodatabase, for example City.gdb, in the Catalog pane. Right-click on it and select Domains. This will open the domain management interface where new domains can be added.
Use the left panel to define each domain by filling in the following fields:
- Domain Name: Enter a concise name for the domain.
- Description: Provide a clear description. It is acceptable to include spaces, accents, or special characters.
- Field Type: Choose the field type appropriate for the values the domain will restrict (e.g., Short, Text).
In the right-side panel, input the code-description pairs that define the acceptable values:
- Code: Enter the code that will be stored in the database.
- Description: Write the description that represents the code for human readability.
After all values are entered, the domains can be applied to fields in feature classes or tables within the geodatabase, ensuring that only valid values are accepted during data entry.
Configuration of the domains of a “Geodatabase”.
